11 Teens Charged In Michigan Avenue Shoplifting Spree

CHICAGO (CBS) — Eleven teenagers have been arrested after they allegedly shoplifted merchandise from three stores on North Michigan Avenue on Wednesday.

Five girls – between the ages of 14 and 16 – and six boys – between 15 and 17 – were arrested at about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday near 10 E. Pearson St., police said. All 11 were charged as juveniles with retail theft.

Police said the group shoplifted at three stores along Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile on Wednesday.

Employees at The North Face, 875 N. Michigan Av.; AX Armani Exchange, 520 N. Michigan Av., and Filene’s Basement, 830 N. Michigan Av., identified the teens as a large group of people who took several items off of store shelves, then ran out without paying.

In all, they stole more than $5,000 worth of merchandise, police said.

The inventory from North Face was worth $2,719.99; the items taken from Filene’s were worth $279.99; and merchandise stolen from Armani Exchange was valued at $2,247, according to a police report.